Comic Spotlight: Virtually Yours

Writer-Jeremy Holt

Illustrators-Elizabeth Beals and Adam Wollet

Publisher-ComiXology (online) and Dark Horse Comics (print)

I’ve really come to love the slice of life genre, and consider titles like “Giant Days,” and “Girls Have a Blog” among my favorites.

Well, add “Virtually Yours” to that list. Originally available on ComiXology and now also in print through Dark Horse Comics, this title really ranges in its emotional tethers—from sadness to joy, hope to humor, there’s a lot of ways this connects with the reader. Its cast is as diverse as it is deep, and even those who may be in the supporting role. I get the sense that a lot of time was spent fleshing out their backstories, and the result is a group that has real heart.

Let’s take a look at the two main characters, Max Kittridge and Eva Estrella.

Max is a former child star trying desperately to divest himself of a role that made him famous, but at a cost. As a result, we find him on a journey to determine what’s next. But Max is also a man in intense pain from years of abusive relationships, both verbal and physical. He’s even been manipulated by (and later emancipated from) his own parents who wanted to cash in on his talent. We see him grow in some positive ways, both from being around Eva and his work as a virtual partner. In the end, he’s not “cured,” but he seems to be in a better place, and I found it a very realistic way to go.

Eva’s on a quest to find her way in the world of journalism, and as someone who’s been working as one for years, I really empathized with her. She faces a real challenge as she has to adapt to a new way of reporting (listicles) but she comes through, showing a creative flair and keen intellect. When forced to choose whether or not to compromise her principles for the sake of fame and a big raise, she goes with her heart and I was really proud of her. In the reporting world, a lot of people throw the important stuff away for the sake of a career.

The supporting cast is just as deep, from Max’s childhood friend Patrick to Katie, Eva’s confidante and the one to give her the push she needs to take that necessary step.

I really loved all the Easter Eggs in this one, such as seeing Saga on the shelves of the comic shop and Holt appearing at a signing party. There’s a few more that I think I caught, but I’ll keep those to myself for now.

The art is amazing, mainly for its diversity and depth. The background characters aren’t just a bunch of mannequins. The clothing, hair, etc. show that the artist spent a lot of time with each one, and I’ll bet they have some cool backstories. The use of colors results in a vibrant, energetic world and it’s part of the excitement that kept me reading.

“Virtually Yours” was such a pleasure to read, from the direction of the story to the hilarious interactions among the cast to the very real look it takes at relationships.